Metro link connects Burj Khalifa stn to Dubai Mall

The 820-metre-long link connecting Burj Khalifa metro station to Dubai Mall has been completed and opened to the public, Emaar Properties said on Tuesday.

The link is aimed at streamlining traffic in Downtown Dubai while allowing visitors to walk across the area through a temperature-controlled travellator.

“At 820 metres, the metro link is one of the longest of its kind, linking Dubai Metro with the leading retail and lifestyle destination in Dubai,” said Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties.

“The direct connection with the Dubai Metro, which is now one of the most popular public transport modes in the city, will help in reducing vehicular traffic, and enable visitors to simply walk across from the station to Downtown Dubai through a temperature-controlled travellator.”

The link will have 10 travellators, each between 70 and 120 metres in length and 1.4 metres in width with a central walkway for pedestrian use. The travellators will move at an average speed of 0.5 metres/second and at its peak capacity it can carry over 13,500 people per hour.

The link is designed in glass, drawing on traditional Arabian architecture styles, enabling spectacular views of Downtown Dubai including Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The “Mashrabia” styled façade and colourful lighting will complement the existing architecture and add to the lively ambience of Emaar Boulevard.

Visitors will enter The Dubai Mall through the new metro link, with new retail stores set to open to cater for the 30,000 people expected each day. It will incorporate the highest safety features with exit routes along its length and easily accessible staircases.

In November, Emaar said it will soon commence expansion of the Dubai Mall by building a new high-street boulevard style retail destination, as well launch new luxury homes and serviced residences in Downtown Dubai district.

“With the master-plan of the new expansion now finalised, work will begin shortly with the various components to be completed in phases,” the company said.